Le Vie del Miele
The honey festival in Puglia's only 'Honey City'
About Le Vie del Miele
A festival dedicated to honey in the heart of Salento
Le Vie del Miele is the event that transforms Melendugno, in the province of Lecce, into the Salento capital of beekeeping every year. The town boasts an ancient bond with bees and honey production, so much so that it is the only town in Puglia awarded the title of 'Città del Miele' (Honey City): a recognition that reflects the identity of a territory where this craft is deeply rooted in history, as even the origin of the town's name suggests.
The festival was born from the collaboration between the Municipality of Melendugno and the Association of Beekeepers of Melendugno and Borgagne, with the aim of revitalizing the beekeeping sector and promoting it alongside the many food and wine excellences of Salento. It is a free-entry event designed for families, curious visitors, and enthusiasts.
What to experience at Le Vie del Miele
The heart of the event is the Villa Comunale, which hosts stands from local beekeepers and other producers from across the region, fostering a true exchange of experiences and best practices. Along the exhibition paths, you can discover and purchase various local honey varieties directly from the producers—from thyme to thistle honey—alongside typical products and local handicrafts.
- Guided tastings of monofloral and wildflower honeys with sensory analysis and techniques from honey sommeliers
- Experiential workshops, from making beeswax candles to educational paths for adults and children
- Honey bar and honey-based gastronomic offerings, from sweet to savory, created by local restaurateurs
- Live music, entertainment, and shows for children
- Market of typical Salento products and local crafts
Melendugno, the Honey City in Puglia
Located just a few kilometers from the Adriatic coast of Salento, between Roca Vecchia, Torre dell'Orso, and the town's famous beaches, Melendugno combines the sea, history, and rural traditions. Le Vie del Miele is part of the town's cultural and summer calendar and represents an opportunity to discover the Salento hinterland through an iconic product, while supporting beekeepers and the local economy of the Province of Lecce and the entire Puglia region.
Le Vie del Miele — edition 2026
The fifth edition of Le Vie del Miele will be held in Melendugno (Lecce) on August 21 and 22, 2026, confirmed in the national "Andar per Miele" calendar of the Città del Miele. The historic center becomes the heart of honey with tastings of local honeys paired with the typical flavors of Salento cuisine.
As in previous editions, the program includes stands from beekeepers and local producers, experiential paths, entertainment and activities for children, live music, and the illuminations that light up the town's streets. The event is free to enter.
Programme Le Vie del Miele 2026
The dates for the 2026 edition are confirmed (August 21-22), but the detailed program with times, workshops, and guests has not yet been published by the organizers.
Based on previous editions, the following activities are expected, subject to updates:
- Stands and exhibition paths of beekeepers and local honey producers
- Guided tastings and sensory analysis of Salento honeys
- Experiential workshops (including making beeswax candles)
- Honey bar and honey-based gastronomic offerings
- Live music, children's entertainment, and illuminations
The full program will be announced in the weeks preceding the event.
Highlights Le Vie del Miele 2026
Prices Le Vie del Miele 2026
Practical information — Le Vie del Miele
How to get there
Melendugno is located in the province of Lecce, in lower Salento. By car, it can be reached from the Lecce ring road by taking the direction for the coast (Roca-Torre dell'Orso). The nearest train station is in Lecce, which is connected to the town by local bus lines.
Admission
Admission to the event is free. Guided tastings and some workshops may require a reservation or a small contribution.
Tips
Melendugno is an excellent starting point for visiting the seaside resorts of Torre dell'Orso, San Foca, and Roca Vecchia: we recommend combining the festival with a day at the beach and exploring the Salento area.
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Where does it take place — Le Vie del Miele
Villa Comunale e centro storico di Melendugno
Villa Comunale, Piazza Risorgimento, 73026 Melendugno